Joe Judge will turn to another team’s staff to add a key assistant. The new Giants HC is hiring Buccaneers assistant special teams coach Amos Jones to his staff, Tom Rock of Newsday reports. Jones was on the Mississippi State staff during part of Judge’s tenure in Starksville as a player and graduate assistant, and Rock notes the 60-year-old assistant will play myriad roles for Judge. Jones will act as Judge’s right-hand man during game days, helping with in-game strategy, while aiding with analytics and in-week planning as well. Jones has worked in the NFL since 2007, but this appears a more diverse job description compared to the special teams roles he’s previously held in the league. From 2012-18, Jones served as the ST coordinator for the Steelers, Cardinals and Browns. He caught on with Bruce Arians again in Tampa but will join former pupil Judge in New York.
Here is the latest from the coaching/staffing realm:
- The Saints lost linebackers coach Mike Nolan to the Cowboys, who hired him as defensive coordinator. New Orleans will fill the vacancy on its defensive staff by promoting Michael Hodges to LBs coach, the team announced. Previously the Saints’ assistant linebackers coach, Hodges has spent three seasons in New Orleans. The first two came as a defensive assistant.
- Dante Scarnecchia cannot seem to stay away. After retiring for the second time in six years, the acclaimed Patriots offensive line coach is at the Combine representing the team, Michael Giardi of NFL.com tweets. The 72-year-old coach retired last month. During his first retirement — which lasted from 2014-15 — Scarnecchia still helped the Pats with scouting.
- The Broncos and analytics director Mitch Tanney will part ways, Mike Klis of 9News notes. Tanney’s exit follows that of director of football administration Mike Sullivan‘s January exit. The Broncos hired longtime CAA agent Rich Hurtado to replace Sullivan, but Klis adds Tanney’s replacement will likely come from within. The five-year Broncos staffer could have a new gig lined up, with the Denver Post’s Ryan O’Halloran tweeting Tanney may have a bigger role with another team on tap.
Giants players will enjoy the addition of Amos Jones to their coaching staff. Jones, an accomplished baker off the field, makes it a practice to bring in his baked treats to share with the players. Amos is FAMOUS for his Chocolate Chip Cookies!!